The Search for the Ultimate Baggy Short...

I have been searching for the best mountain bike baggy shorts for more than ten years now. Here is a list of the shorts that I have ridden and notes on each. The sizing of a baggy short has always been somewhat of an issue. The sizes listed are for a guy about 5'-7" tall, 145 lbs., with a 31" waist and 30" inseam.

Nema Crown Jewel (size small) I started wearing these back in the '90's, and for many years they were the best available.

Nema Peterbuilt Winter Freeride Pants (can't remember what size) These were out of production by the time I found them, but the quality, warmth and durability of these pants was incredible. Still in use today for the coldest of winter cross country riding.

Nema Stone (size small) This seems to be just an update of the Crown Jewel. A fine short that saw many miles.

Mt. Borah Beartooth (size medium) Got these because they're made in USA. Quality and fit are nice, but they weren't good enough to ever be that favorite "go to" short.

Race Face VO2 (size small) Tested were (3 pairs!) of the '06 version. Haven't tried the newer ones. For two seasons this was the short that was saved for the rides that were gonna be crazy. Hot weather, epic rides or races, I loved these shorts. Too bad the chamois fell apart after about six months.

Hoss Ponderosa (size medium) A good short for the money, durable and comfortable. Reminds me of the original Nema Crown Jewel except the outer legs are too short, and the inner liners too tight around the thigh.

Hoss Ponderosa Knicker (size medium) I guess this solves the issue of the outer leg being too short... but really, don't some people call these capri pants?

Endura MT500 (size medium) please see previous Baggy Report on this blog. These are one of the best.

Endura Humvee Knicker (size medium) All the best qualities of Endura shorts in a knicker length that is perfect for those colder weather days. Sweet belt similar to the MT500.

Endura Zyme Knicker (size medium) Endura seems to be changing their sizing... These are bigger than the MT500 and Humvee, and as a result they are too baggy for techno cross country riding. Pull tabs on the sides don't work as well as the awesome belts on MT500 and Humvee. Thicker fabric than the Humvee does make them useful for even colder riding.

Endura Burner (size medium) If I could get my hands on a size small I might like these better... The inferior side pull-tabs of the Zyme are here as well. This is a departure from other Endura shorts that use a two piece inner/outer short. The Burner is a one piece integrated short.

Adidas (size medium) Almost a waste of space to even put these here. Three different models tried, none very good.

Fox Epic (size 32 and 30) A very nice 2 piece system. The 32 I need a belt to hold up, and its so long its almost a knicker but its still a nice functional short. The 30 waist fits perfectly, no belt required, and length is right down to the knee. Tested were '06 and '07 models. Even though the chamois fell apart too quickly for an expensive short, the fit and function led me to try other shorts from Fox...

Fox Sergeant (size 30) All the best attributes of the Epic, but in Camo and with an improved chamois. Sweet!

Fox High Frequency (size 30) That's an '08 with a 30 waist that fits. The '07 version of a 30 was way too small. Gotta love that SoCal Fox style. Satin charcoal with pinstripes makes me want to jump in with the roadie shaver packs... no, not really. High Frequency is an integrated one piece short, very similar to Endura's Burner, except that the Fox is way better.

Descente Newton (size small) I was excited to finally try a pair of these, I had heard great things. I just got a brand new '08 pair. Major bummer, man. The inner short is so small that I nearly ripped it in two trying to get it on, and then the outer short is flapping around in the breeze like crazy. If only I could get a medium liner with an extra-small outer short.

Specialized Body Geometry Enduro (size small) Specialized did everything right with this one. See previous Baggy Report on this blog. One of the best.

And the search will continue.

Happy Fun Times

Pictures of some old friendsA Santa Cruz original Bontrager.
An eight year old Seven Sola for 80mm suspension.
And a new Sola for the longer travel forks and all the latest technology.